The director sat down in the luxurious chair. So... What can I help you with? The young man, who remained standing in the doorway, was kneading his bonnet. Come on. I don't have much time. Maybe you even want us to get to know each other. I'm waiting, I was actually really bored. What, do I have any other thing to do? My job is just to watch you stutter. Veta, the director shouted. Sir, you know, I'm embarrassed to tell you. What, do you want money? He got up angrily and stuffed a coin into his pocket. You all want alms. Get to work. I don't ever want to see you here again, you fool. The young man left ashamed. He wanted to announce to the director that he would be a grandfather.
Roxana Catana Tarhon
I'm telling you, thes Italians ar kind-hearted. What Mafia, what Piovra? No, mate, they're plenty merciful. Well, did't they put that whole big fountain in the middle of Rome? They made a gravy train for everyone, not just for themselves. It seems that if you throw a coin there, all your wishes will be fulfilled. I didn't have any money, so I threw a screw. Well, that's why luck came to me in the form at this red Ferrari. A slick wop got out of the car in order to throw a coin into the fountain and left his key in the ignition. His penny, my luck.
Lenuța Fînaru
Beautiful girl, give the old woman a coin for her to guess your luck. I see a boat and a trip on the water in the evening. A yacht. Huh? A yacht, not a boat.Yes, a yacht, the gypsy corrected herself, and a boy that ties the knot with you. Pont Neuf, that's where he asked me to marry him. It's not a tip[1], that's what the cards are showing. The old woman looked up in fright: on your neck I see rope and shells. The young woman caressed the string of pearls. He gave it to me yesterday. I should take the coin back, she said, wearily shaking her hand. Take it, said the old woman appealingly, there is no more luck this granny could give to you.
[1]The Romanian word for tip is "pont", therefore the old lady's confusion.
(Translated by Oana-Elena Dragnea / University of Bucharest, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, MTTLC, year I / Corrected by Silvia Petrescu, coordinator of the translations)
Versiunea în română a acestui text se poate citi aici, în rubrica Ficțiuni Reale.